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UHS Foundation to host benefit tourney, present leadership award

Note: Media coverage of the UHS Foundation’s Women Fore Women Golf Golf Classic, its accompanying awards dinner, or both, is invited. The tournament begins at 12:30 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 12; the awards dinner starts at 7 p.m. Both events are at Traditions at the Glen. For more information, contact the Foundation office at 762-2171.

UHS' cancer nurse coordinator has been selected as the winner of the UHS Foundation's 2014 Women Fore Women Health Leadership Award. Ruth Manzer, RN, OCN, will be presented with the award at the 18th annual Women Fore Women Golf Classic on Friday, Sept. 12, at Traditions at the Glen.

Known throughout Greater Binghamton for her "Tea with Ruth" cancer support group and related work in providing exceptional care coordination for patients, Ms. Manzer was nominated for the Foundation's award by several individuals, said Betsy Pietriyk, executive director of the Foundation.

"A common theme from those who nominated her was recognition for the way she interacts with cancer patients on a daily basis and how she goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide guidance, support and compassion to patients and their families," Ms. Pietriyk said. She added that when Ms. Manzer was told of her selection for the award, "she didn't even take a breath before enthusiastically stating, 'You know, I have the best job in the whole wide world.'"

Ms. Manzer joined UHS in 1990 and became cancer nurse coordinator seven years ago, following a number of years as an oncology certified nurse on South Tower 5 at UHS Wilson Medical Center.

Each year’s award recipient is a provider, advocate, educator, fundraiser, role model or member of the community at large who is a strong leader and works toward improving women’s quality of life.

The Foundation has presented the award annually since 2004 at its golf classic, which raises significant dollars toward the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and related women’s health concerns. Proceeds from this year's event will be included in a $500,000 UHS Foundation gift to UHS Hospitals for two three-dimensional breast tomosynthesis mammography units. One unit was installed this summer and a second is expected to arrive in October.

Breast tomosynthesis is the latest breakthrough in mammography. It provides the clearest, most accurate view yet of the breast and allows doctors to more effectively pinpoint the size, shape and location of any abnormalities. This can result in better detection, fewer call-backs and greater peace of mind for the patient.